Volunteers Learn 'Dos' And 'Don'ts' Of Oktoberfest Bartending

Several Oklahoma agencies are making an effort to cut down on drunk driving.

In just a few days, Tulsa's traditional Oktoberfest kicks off - a four-day event where plenty of drinks will be served - and the bartenders, in many cases, will be volunteers.

They're volunteers who have now gone through a special training session about how to spot an intoxicated person, how to turn them away and what would happen if they didn't.

The ABLE commission said the more volunteers know and understand, the safer Tulsa streets should be during Oktoberfest.

“I like Oktoberfest, and they need people to help and it's something fun to do and you get in free,” said volunteer, Matthew Vandiver.

Those are the reasons Vandiver volunteers at the festival. This year will mark his sixth time to volunteer, though he's never sat through training like this before.

The Tulsa Health Department, along with Oklahoma's ABLE Commission, hosted the seminar. It gave volunteers the chance to learn more about the liabilities and legal responsibilities that come with the job.

For instance, Agent Erik Smoot said if someone drives away drunk and crashes, the server can be charged.

“It's a felony in this state, which means you lose everything. Most of these people have full time jobs that they're very happy with,” Smoot said.

Volunteers learned there's nothing to lose in turning away someone who appears intoxicated. They also learned tricks for checking IDs because this year there will be no wrist bands.

There will also be no volunteers drinking.

“There was a time in Tulsa where Oktoberfest workers could drink all they wanted to while they worked, sometimes the biggest drunks we had at Oktoberfest were the people that were actually serving it,” Smoot said.

For those who do have too much to drink, AAA will be offering a free Tipsy Tow service where you and your car can be taken home safely.

Smoot said if you think you might drink too much, the time to make your decision of how to get home is before you get there; meaning, take a cab.

The ABLE commission said someone whose drunk will likely make the wrong choice when they hear last call if they have a car at the event.